Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Vocalist
“. . . the sound is all Swiggett’s: refined and confident, open and inviting.”
– All About Jazz
Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Vocalist
biography
Jazz pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett has been active on Seattle’s music scene since the early 90’s. As a bandleader, she’s headlined at many of the Northwest’s top jazz venues, including the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, the Earshot Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot and the Bellevue Jazz Festival. Nelda is an award-winning composer and OA2 Records recording artist. Her five album releases have received rave reviews and extensive airplay around the globe. Nelda’s big band arrangements of her original music have been performed by Seattle’s nationally recognized Garfield High School Jazz Band, the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, and others. Nelda currently co-leads Clif & Nelda’s Little Big Band, composes for the Megabopolis sextet, and performs “For the Birds” — live music, images and poetry invite reflection on our changing climate — with the Nelda Swiggett Quintet. She is also in demand as a solo pianist, side woman and jazz educator.
featured Shows
Sunday, February 23. Clif & Nelda’s Little Big Band with Clif Swiggett (trombone & percussion), Nelda Swiggett (piano & vocals) and special guest Michael Glynn (bass). Fountainhead Gallery concert series. 5 – 7 pm. 625 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98119. Get Tickets.
Friday, March 14. 7 – 8:30 pm. For the Birds: live music, images and poetry invite reflection on our changing climate featuring Nelda Swiggett (piano/compositions), Kate Olson (saxes), Clif Swiggett (trombone), Chris Symer (bass), Adam Kessler (drums) and the poetry of Jill McGrath. Grace Episcopal Church. 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. $10 – $20 suggested donation. Students $5. Get Tickets.
Saturday, March 8. 7:30 PM at The Royal Room. The Nelda Swiggett Quintet debuts new works composed by members of the Seattle Composers Alliance. Nelda Swiggett (piano), Kate Olson (saxes), Clif Swiggett (trombone), Chris Symer (bass) and Adam Kessler (drums). 5000 Rainier Avenue South, Columbia City. (206) 906-9920.
albums
media
“Swiggett has a unique touch…intensely appealing pianism…a voice with a depth similar to that of Abbey Lincoln…”
– Lofton A Emenari, WHPK 88.5 FM, Chicago
“…a stunning project…held together by the highly original mind of Ms. Swiggett.”
– JazzTimes
“… a bright palette, a sinewy execution and a powerful, assertive command… the sound is all Swiggett’s: refined and confident, open and inviting.”
– All About Jazz
“Jessica Jennifer Williams comes to mind…we are in that territory.”
– Wondering Sound Reviews
“Swiggett’s vocal delivery is satisfyingly to-the-point, and behaves only as one ingredient, equal to all others…”
– Midwest Record
“Her music is precise without being dry, clean without being dull, and light without being fluff. The sound is as clear, direct and crisp as the gaze of her piercing blue eyes.”
– Earshot Magazine
“Seattle based pianist Nelda Swiggett has a bright smooth swinging quality to her mainstream approach and a minimalist almost bare knuckles attitude. Her key strokes are bold and assertive, as if she knows exactly the direction of her music.”
– All Music Guide
David Lange Studios
Seattle Jazz Vespers
teaching
Nelda teaches private jazz piano lessons in Seattle and on Zoom. She also coaches student jazz combos at Seattle’s Jazz Night School, and is available for clinics, workshops and adjudications.